Focused on assessing potential opportunities for developing the United States’ industrial hemp industry, the first
Annual Industrial Hemp Summit is a collaborative effort between Halifax County Agricultural Development (HCAD)
and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR). A specific focus of the summit will be building the
supply chain for this emerging industry and developing markets for industrial hemp fiber and food. The summit will
highlight current innovation in the industry, as well as explore solutions for resolving resource and infrastructure
needs to move the industry forward. The summit will explore legislative and regulatory changes that are needed to
allow the hemp industry to flourish.

The United States is the world’s largest market for hemp products with estimated sales of $688 million in 2016,
according to Vote Hemp market research. Most hemp products sold in the U.S. have been imported. With potential
changes in legislation, the U.S. hemp industry growth has accelerated following the inclusion of a key provision in
the 2014 Farm Bill, which authorized state regulated hemp pilot programs and research. The Summit seeks to serve
as a catalyst to help the hemp industry grow and create jobs and economic development in rural communities.

The Conference Center at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
150 Slayton Avenue, Danville VA 24540